Game table and method of making the same

ABSTRACT

A game table, notably a rectangular game table, with at least one playing surface, preferably a shuffleboard surface, disposed between a first end and a second end of the table, wherein the playing surface has a first end width and a second end width and perimeter, such that the first end width is greater than the second end width. This table may also comprise at least one reflective surface and/or a trough, while requiring less surface area for better placement in arcades and other gaming environments.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is claiming the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of the provisional application filed Oct. 3, 2005 under 35 U.S.C. § 111(b), which was granted Ser. No. 60/722,939. This provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference. Application Ser. No. 60/722,939 is co-pending as of the filing date of the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to amusement table games, including shuffleboard table games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a table, notably a rectangular game table that aids in manufacture and shipping such that the table has a first end and a second end and a top. Notably, the table comprises at least one playing surface, preferably a shuffleboard surface disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the playing surface has a first end width and a second end width and a perimeter, such that the first end width is greater than the second end width. This table may also comprise at least one bumper or other reflective surface disposed at the second end such that the bumper is in contact with the playing surface and therefore may be able to reflect or otherwise change the direction of pucks balls or other sliding or rolling devices.

In a preferred embodiment a trough is formed about the perimeter of the playing surface such that pucks, balls or other items venturing off the edge of the playing surface are collected. In a preferred embodiment, this playing surface is a shuffleboard surface. This invention offers the advantage of being able to place the table at a more comfortable height for the user in light of the fact that the length of the table is considerably less than the length of the prior art.

Additionally, the surface area of the playing surface can be significantly less than the prior art, thus allowing for better placement in arcades and other gaming environments.

The advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention: and

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the placement of one embodiment of the invention in comparison to the prior art.

Those skilled in the art will recognize a significant deviation from the figures shown herein is considered to be within the scope of the invention, and nothing herein shall be considered to limit the scope of the invention as dependent in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention includes an embodiment of a rectangular game table 10 wherein the table has a first end 12 and a second end 14 opposite the first end 12. The table 10 also has a top 15 that will be discussed in greater detail below. As shown, the table 10, being rectangular in shape is a standard shape that allows for convenient packaging, shipping, and assembly. Moreover, as will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 3, the rectangular shape of the table 10 allows for better and more efficient placement of table 10.

Table 10 has a playing surface 16 shown herein to be a wooden surface, most preferably a shuffleboard surface. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shuffleboard surface shown in FIG. 1 is but one embodiment and that any surface such as wood, metal, plastic, composite, or other material may be used for the playing surface 16. It is preferable that playing surface 16 is planar and would include any playing surface coating known to those skilled in the art to reduce sliding or rolling friction. Examples of these materials include waxes, powders, and similar materials.

Additionally, those skilled in the art recognize that a planar playing surface 16 parallel with the ground is but a preferred embodiment and nothing herein should limit the variation, configuration, or consistency of the playing surface 16. Notably, playing surface 16 may comprise at least one fixed or movable inclination.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the playing surface 16 is disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 14. As shown, the first end 12 has a first end width 18 and the second end 14 has a second end width 20. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the first end width 18 may exceed, equal, or be less than the second end width 20. Notably, as shown, the first end width 18 is greater than the second end width 20. Furthermore, the playing surface 16 has a perimeter 22 about the playing surface 16. The interaction of the perimeter 22 in the playing surface 16 will be discussed in greater detail herein.

Moreover, at least bumper 24 or similar reflective and or deflective member is in contact with the second end 14 of the playing surface 16. Notably, it is preferably that the bumper 24 has a length of at least the length of the second end width 20. This arrangement allows for pucks 50 to be reflected or deflected after coming into contact with the bumper 24. Those skilled in the art recognize that in addition to the pucks 50 shown in FIG. 1, any balls or similar sliding or rolling devices may be used in conjunction with the present invention.

By incorporating at least one bumper 24 with the playing surface 16, the overall 15 length of the table 10 may be less than that of traditional shuffleboard tables. After reflection or deflection of pucks 50, balls, or similar sliding or rolling devices off of the bumper 24, these sliding or rolling devices will reverse direction and approach first end 12 of the table 10. As discussed above, the formation of the playing surface 16 such that the first end width 18 is greater than the second end width 20 will allow for greater reception of reflected or deflected sliding or rolling devices during play. The table 10 may include a trough 26 about the perimeter 22 of the playing surface 16. This trough 26 is sometimes referred to as a “puck pit” in the art. Those skilled in the art recognize that the trough 26 is of sufficient width and depth to allow pucks 50 or similar devices that move beyond the perimeter 22 to fall off of the playing surface 16 and be collected for use in subsequent games. As noted in FIG. 1, the trough 26 is typically formed about the perimeter 22 of the playing surface 16 except in locations that include bumpers 14 such as the one formed in contact with the playing surface 16 at the second end 14 of the table 10. The playing surface 16 may be formed in a variety of dimensions that aid in the enjoyment of games using the table 10. In addition to the differences in the first end width 18 and the second end with 20 of the playing surface 16, it is preferable to form a channel 28 in the playing surface 16 starting at the first end width 18 and partially extending toward but not meeting the second end width 20 of the playing surface 16. As shown herein, the inclusion of the channel 28 in the playing surface 16 provides for an appearance that approximates an upside down V configuration. Additionally, the trough 26 is similarly formed in the channel 28. Those skilled in the art recognize that the channel 28 is depicted such that the trough 26 is formed in the channel 28, but that this is but one embodiment of the channel 28.

This arrangement allows for a greater difficulty level to be incorporated into the game being played on the table 10. Notably, players initiating a play from the left branch 30 of the playing surface 16 must propel the puck 50 such that it traverses the length of the playing surface 16, reflects or deflects off of the bumper 24, and then traverses at least a portion of the length of the playing surface 16, coming to rest on the second branch 32 of the playing surface 16.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that this method of playing games on the table 10 may be reversed, such that the sliding or rolling of the puck 50 or similar device occurs from the second branch 32 wherein the puck 50 comes a rest in the first branch 30. This method of play requires more skill to initiate a play that allows for the puck 50 to come to a rest on the opposite branch without falling into the trough 26.

Furthermore, the final position of the puck 50 may be measured or otherwise determined. One method of determining the final position of the puck is shown in FIG. 1 with scoring lines 34. As shown herein, the scoring lines reward a player that is able to propel the puck 50 from one branch to the opposite branch via the bumper 24 such that the final resting place of the puck 50 is near the first end 12 while avoiding the trough 28 and remaining on the surface 16. Points may be assigned to incremental distances that increase with the proximity.

As shown herein, the points awarded for each play increase from one point to four points based on the final resting point of the puck 50. Those skilled in the art recognize that the use of table 10 in games involving a plurality of pucks 50 may include the provision that the assessment of points are not awarded until all plays have been made. It is possible that a subsequent puck 50 may interact with at least one previously played puck such that the final position of the previous puck or pucks is changed. For example, it is possible that a second puck may collide with a first puck such that one or both pucks enter the trough.

Table 10 is preferably formed in a rectangular configuration. A plurality of legs 36 may be attached to the table 10. The arrangement is shown in an assembled condition in FIG. 1. Notably, the legs 36 are preferably removable to aid in the packing, shipping, and storage of the table 10. In a preferred embodiment, the table 10 is formed with at least one cavity capable of containing the legs 36 such that the size of the shipping carton for the table 10 in an unassembled condition is minimized. Each cavity is designed such the legs 36 may also be stored within the cavity during storage.

Legs 10 may be of a certain length or adjustable to allow for the top 15 of the table to be at a comfortable height for game play. Rather than stooping or leaning over the previous shuffleboard tables that were approximately 2.5 feet in height, it is preferable for the top 15 of the table to be at least about three feet in height from the ground. This enables the players to address the game without having to lean over in an awkward arrangement.

As shown herein, legs 36 may include feet 37 such that the feet 37 provide the adjustment in height. In one embodiment, the feet 37 can provide the ability to adjust the height at each leg 36 such that the table 10 is level.

The playing surface 16 of the table 10 may be configured in a variety of dimensions. Preferably, the length of the playing surface is less than about ten feet in length, most preferably six feet in length. This length, which is considerably less than previous, traditional shuffleboard tables, allows for the location of the table 10 in considerably more places. Moreover, the width of the table is preferably less than eight feet, most preferably four feet. The preferred embodiment is therefore about 36 square feet including room for the players as opposed to the about 182 square feet of surface area including room for the players and the aisle areas found in the previous shuffleboard tables.

The arrangement of the playing surface 16 such that first end width 18 is greater 15 than the second end width 20 creates at least one receptive area 38 on the top 15 of table 10 near the second end 12 of the table. Each receptive area 38 is helpful to players or bystanders that wish to position items such as drinks, food, cigarettes, or personal items on the top 15 of the table 10. Notably, a portion or all of each receptive area may be in the same plane of the top 15 or a lower depression such as a drink holder or similar depression. Moreover, these receptive areas 38 are prime locations for the inclusion of placards, advertisements, directions, rules, or similar indicia. Any portion of the top 15 may include at least one receptive area 38. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the receptive areas 38 may be located within the same plane of the top 15 or may include depressions such as the formation of a drink cup holder configuration. Furthermore, the entire table 10 may provide for the placement of advertisements, graphics, words, and similar indicia.

Additionally, the table 10 may include score displays 40 wherein the value shown may be increased or decreased by pressing or otherwise depressing buttons 42. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any technique for keeping score may be included with the table. For example, the use of colored beadlike markers mounted on rods that may be moved offers a cost effective method of keeping score. Similarly, a chalkboard or other writing surface may be included.

Furthermore, the inclusion of coin-operated controls 44, which are well know in the art, allows for the unit to 15 collect money for its use. The payment of a fee by inserting coins or similar monies into the control 44 can deactivate puck or ball stops 46 shown in a retracted condition in FIG. 1, wherein the stops 46 may lower to allow the puck 50 to traverse the playing surface 16. When the game is completed, either measured by points, time, or similar method, the stops 46 may rise via solenoid activation or similar method to prevent the traversal of the puck 50 on the playing surface 16.

Turning to FIG. 2, a different embodiment is shown. The embodiment shown also depicts a rectangular game table 10, wherein the table has a first end 12 and a second end 14 opposite the first end 12. The table 10 also has a slightly different top 15 that will be discussed in greater detail below. As shown the table 10, being rectangular in shape, is a standard shape that allows for convenient packaging shipping, and assembly.

Table 10 of this embodiment has a playing surface 16 shown herein to be a wooden surface, most preferably a shuffleboard surface. The aspects of playing surface 16 that were discussed with reference to FIG. 1 are equally applicable to this embodiment.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the playing surface 16 is disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 14. As shown the first end 12 has a first end width 18 and the second end 14 has a second end width 20. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the first end width 18 may exceed, equal, or be less than the second end width 20. Notably, as shown, the first end width 18 is greater than the second end width 20.

Additionally, the playing surface 16 has a perimeter 22 about the playing surface 16. The interaction of the perimeter 22 in the playing surface 16 will be discussed in greater detail herein.

Moreover, at least bumper 24 or similar reflective and or deflective member is in contact with the second end 14 of the playing surface 16. Notably, in this embodiment, the bumper 24 has a length greater than the length of the second end width 20.

As previously discussed, by incorporating at least one bumper 24 with the playing surface 16, the overall length of the table 10 is less than that of traditional shuffleboard tables.

As shown in FIG. 2, the table 10 may include a trough 26 about the perimeter 22 of the playing surface 16. Those skilled in the art recognize that the trough 26 in this embodiment is still of sufficient width and depth to allow pucks 50 or similar devices that move beyond the perimeter 22 to fall off of the playing surface 16 and be collected for use in subsequent games, but that the trough 26 near the second end 14 of the table may be larger, due to the decreasing width of playing surface 16 along the distance from the first end width 18 and the second end width 20.

This configuration allows for a simpler manufacturing because the edges of table 10 are of a uniform thickness. However, this embodiment does not provide for as significant of a receptive area 38 for the placement of items such as beverages, foods, and cigarettes or signage or placards

Most of the elements that are similarly marked as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, however the score displays 40 are slightly different. Namely, the score display contains a plurality of liquid crystal display, vacuum formed display, light emitting diode display, or similar method to provide for an extended display of digits in the score display 40. The values shown may be increased or decreased by pressing or otherwise depressing buttons 42. In this embodiment, it is possible for the buttons 42 to be connected to a calculating means for adding the additional points scored during play.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiment shown herein is but one of numerous variations of display and means of entry considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Turning to FIG. 3, an exemplary layout including the table of this invention 70 and a traditional shuffleboard table 72 are shown. First the need for additional space about the perimeter of the traditional shuffleboard table 72 is evident. Moreover, the table of this invention 70, being a rectangular unit, may be placed between additional games 74 and 76. Moreover, it is possible to put the table of this invention 70 against a wall of the establishment.

Those skilled in the art recognize the techniques involved in the fabrication of the table 10. Of note, the scoring areas may be painted or silk-screened, and a suitable finish 15 as discussed above is typically applied afterward. Portions such as the bumper 24 may he held to the rest of the table by suitable cap screws, bolts, adhesives or other fastening materials. The legs, as previously discussed, represent a portion of the table 10 that benefits from being removable for packing, shipping, and storage. Due to the ease of shipping with the legs removed and placed within at least one cavity of the bottom of the table 10, the shipping container is effectively small. In a preferred embodiment, the container may have a length of less than about ten feet, a width of less than about five feet, and a depth of less than about two feet.

Those skilled in the art also recognize that the scoring display 40, the electronic controls 42, the coin operated controls 44, and the stops 46 are an embodiment of effectuating the elements of the present invention. The inclusion of elements such as coin input boxes, coin counters, circuits, timers, point switches, start-game buttons, solenoids, switch contacts, relays, springs, power sources, light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, vacuum formed displays, time delay relay coils, alarms, buzzers, speakers, batteries, switches, microprocessors, logic controls, and similar components that may further the purposes of the invention as disclosed and taught herein.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape, materials, components, circuit elements, wiring connections and contacts, as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry and construction and method of operation may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Having described the invention above, various modifications of the techniques, procedures, material and equipment will be apparent to those in the art. 

1. A rectangular game table having a first end and a second end and a top comprising at least one playing surface disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the playing surface has a first end width and a second end width and a perimeter, such that the first end width is greater than the second end width, the game table also comprising at least one bumper or other reflective surface disposed at the second end such that the bumper is in contact with the playing surface and able to reflect or otherwise change the direction of pucks, balls, or other sliding or rolling devices. 